Inklingo

How to Say "etching" in Spanish

English → Spanish

grabado

/gra-BAH-doh//ɡɾaˈβaðo/

NounB1specific art technique
Use 'grabado' when referring to the finished artwork created by the etching technique, or the technique itself, especially in an artistic or historical context.
A close-up view of a square copper plate with a highly detailed illustration of a single stylized oak tree carved deeply into the surface.

Examples

El museo exhibe una colección de grabados de Goya.

The museum exhibits a collection of Goya's prints/engravings.

Este grabado antiguo vale miles de euros.

This old engraving is worth thousands of euros.

A Piece of Art

When 'grabado' refers to the artwork itself, it is always a masculine noun: 'un grabado' (an engraving).

grabando

grah-BAHN-doh/ɡɾaˈban̪d̪o/

Verb (Gerund)B1marking a surface with acid or a tool
Use 'grabando' when describing the ongoing action of marking a surface, often with acid or a tool, such as a jeweler engraving initials.
A detailed illustration of a hand using an engraving tool to carve a geometric pattern into a wooden surface.

Examples

El joyero está grabando las iniciales en el anillo.

The jeweler is engraving the initials on the ring.

Están grabando un mensaje en la piedra para la historia.

They are carving a message into the stone for history.

Same Form, Different Meaning

Notice how 'grabando' uses the exact same form for both 'recording a video' and 'engraving a surface.' Context is key to knowing which meaning is intended.

Noun vs. Verb Action

Learners often confuse 'grabado' (the noun for the art form or the print) with 'grabando' (the present participle of the verb 'grabar'). Remember that 'grabado' refers to the result or the technique, while 'grabando' describes the action happening right now.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.